Kidney patient battling cancer is inspiration to many

Brittany Randolph / The Star
Scott Thornburg has received help through the Cleveland Rutherford Kidney Association. The Association needs funds now that giving is down.

By Jackie Bridges / Staff Writer

Published: Monday, September 9, 2013 at 08:25 AM.

Since 1987, Scott Thornburg of Kings Mountain has experienced one serious health problem almost every year.

A kidney transplant patient, the 52-year-old is currently battling cancer for the second time, but he doesn't waste time feeling sorry for himself.

"I'm blessed," Thornburg said. "There's always hope. We are looking forward to another miracle and I know the one who is in the miracle business."

Because of his positive attitude, Thornburg is an inspiration to others, said Michelle Hoyle, director of the Cleveland-Rutherford Kidney Association.

"Another name for 'courage' is Scott Thornburg," she said in an email. "It would be extremely difficult to find any other human being who exemplifies the spirit of courage, persistence and determination that Scott Thornburg has. For many, many years, Scott has fought chronic kidney failure and many of the complications that sometimes accompany it. Through all these years, Scott refused to give up."

Finding support from Kidney Association

When Thornburg was diagnosed with kidney disease 26 years ago, he didn't begin dialysis until 2004 and that's when he found out about the Cleveland-Rutherford Kidney Association.

Since 1987, Scott Thornburg of Kings Mountain has experienced one serious health problem almost every year.

A kidney transplant patient, the 52-year-old is currently battling cancer for the second time, but he doesn't waste time feeling sorry for himself.

"I'm blessed," Thornburg said. "There's always hope. We are looking forward to another miracle and I know the one who is in the miracle business."

Because of his positive attitude, Thornburg is an inspiration to others, said Michelle Hoyle, director of the Cleveland-Rutherford Kidney Association.

"Another name for 'courage' is Scott Thornburg," she said in an email. "It would be extremely difficult to find any other human being who exemplifies the spirit of courage, persistence and determination that Scott Thornburg has. For many, many years, Scott has fought chronic kidney failure and many of the complications that sometimes accompany it. Through all these years, Scott refused to give up."

Finding support from Kidney Association

When Thornburg was diagnosed with kidney disease 26 years ago, he didn't begin dialysis until 2004 and that's when he found out about the Cleveland-Rutherford Kidney Association.

"They were the ones who came in at Christmastime, and at other times they would donate blankets and things to people," he said.

Thornburg also had a connection with Margaret and Ray Ledford, the parents of the late Renee Ledford. Renee fought many serious illnesses and had three kidney transplants. She and Margaret founded the Cleveland-Rutherford Kidney Association to help dialysis and transplant patients.

"Renee was such an inspiration to many," Thornburg said. "I would have opportunities to talk with Margaret and Ray. We had a bond because of the closeness of our families."

Thornburg was on dialysis for three years and six months, and during that time the Kidney Association helped him with transportation and provided emotional and spiritual support.

New friend donates a kidney

A year after Thornburg started dialysis, he met Jason and Shannon Devine. The couple started attending Eastside Baptist, where he has been a member for 28 years.

He and his wife, Krista, felt a kinship with the Devines from the start.

"They reached out to us and invited us to supper," Thornburg said. "She was Ms. USA, and her platform was organ donation. Before I knew all that, Jason paid attention to how I came in the Sunday school class. He heard me talk about dialysis, and we grew close. He was inspired by how I took it and stayed positive."

One day Jason laughed and said to Thornburg, "I'm going to be the one to give you a kidney."

Because Thornburg had battled colon cancer in 2003, they had to wait five years to see if Jason was a match.

"He went through all the tests and he was almost a perfect match," Thornburg said, pausing to fight tears. "God had truly sent this man to me. We grew closer and closer together. To be able to have a live donor is a blessing. He is a true brother from another mother."

Transplant improves quality of life

After the transplant, Thornburg was able to see more of his daughter's softball games at Catawba College. Brittney was a member of the Kings Mountain High School 2005 and 2006 state championship teams, but he wasn't physically able to attend many of her high school games.

"The transplant gave me a second chance at life," he said. "I can go on vacations and spend more time with my family away."

He played golf in the Kidney Association golf tournament -- his team always finished last -- and supported the organization in other ways.

"Many times, in spite of being sick himself, Scott has served as a volunteer for a Kidney Association function, even playing Santa Claus for our Patient Christmas Party," Hoyle said. "Scott has been, and continues to be, an inspiration to our other patients, as well as every one of our volunteers."

He also continued to see his lunch buddy from Shelby Middle School.

"I was on dialysis when I started," he said. "My first lunch buddy is now going into high school. I took him to a Panthers game and he and his brothers fishing. It's about being able to give back."

Facing the next health challenge

Thornburg was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2012 and has already had six weeks of chemotherapy that didn't work. During the second round of chemotherapy this year, he developed a sinus infection, abscessed tooth and a urinary tract infection.

The anti-rejection drugs he has taken since the kidney transplant suppress the immune system and increase his risk for cancer and infections.

"I tried to have a positive attitude and carry on with tremendous faith," he said. "I didn't always make the best choices in life. I wasn't too smart, but I have been redeemed. It's a wonderful thing to have Jesus in my life. That's the only way I made it through."

Want to help?

Scott Thornburg has received help in the past from the Cleveland-Rutherford Kidney Association. Money raised by the Association stays in Cleveland County to help patients with kidney disease with transportation, food and paying bills. The next fundraiser is a concert in Rutherford County: